Chatterbooks is a lot of fun; we get to read a lot of books by authors we may not have read otherwise! Brannon, pupil at Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph
The Reading Agency is delighted to announce the launch of its new Reading Groups for Children in Wales, Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks network of children’s reading groups. Reading Groups for Children is a programme for children aged four to twelve run in libraries, schools and other places where children gather to have fun. Its patron is top children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson. Children’s reading groups support children’s literacy development by encouraging them to have a really good time reading and talking about books.
Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks sessions are designed to give children confidence in speaking, writing and reading in a group, choosing books for themselves, and talking about what they like to read. Group leaders will be provided with lots of session ideas, and through The Reading Agency’s partnership with leading children’s publishers, including Welsh language publishers, Clonclyfrau/ Chatterbooks groups will get a stream of information, tips, promotions and goodies featuring the best in children’s books.
The 2 Steves launch Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks
We are proud to be official Chatterbooks champions. Reading is so important and we want to help to make it fun for everyone and get kids chattering about books! Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore
The launch of Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks in Wales is being marked by a special afternoon event at Ysgol Esgob Morgan in St Asaph, where pupils are involved in the new programme via their local library. Top children’s authors Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore, aka “The 2 Steves” will be running a game show activity based on their I Hero series of books. Children from the school’s Clonclyfrua group will be preparing something to show the 2 Steves.
Get involved
We’ve created a range of child-centred bilingual materials for children, and for library and school professionals running the groups. Special packs to help reading group leaders get started include a handbook, A3 posters, scrapbook, book review sheets, a wall poster, and stickers for highlighting children’s favourite reads. The Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks 2012 welcome packs for children feature new bright red book bags with reading diary, pen, stickers, and a Supermouse bookmark. Purchasing Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks materials or training gives access to more exclusive offers
* For more information about setting up a Reading Group for Children in your library or school get in touch
* Existing children’s reading groups in Wales can join for free, via Reading Groups for Everyone
A big thank you to our partners
Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks has been created through a partnership between The Reading Agency, the Welsh Books Council, CyMAL, the Society of Chief Librarians and the Welsh Government. A big thank you to them for supporting libraries and schools in creating Clonclyfrau/Chatterbooks and inspiring children to read for pleasure.
Read the full press release in English
Read the full press release in Welsh
